How to resign well (with sample letters)

Working circles in Thailand are smaller than they look. Your old manager may be the one your next employer calls, or become your client in a few years. Leaving well is worth more than most people think.

Before you hand in your notice

1. Get the new offer in writing first. Don't leave a job on the strength of a verbal promise.
2. Read your employment contract for its notice period, any non-compete clause and any training-bond conditions.
3. Count your notice period. The common rule is to give notice of at least one pay period, or whatever your contract sets. If you're unsure, ask HR or someone who knows Thai labour law first.
4. Check your remaining annual leave and ask HR how the company handles unused days.

Tell your manager first

Ask for a private conversation. Don't let them hear it from colleagues or social media. Say briefly that you've decided, when your last day will be, and how you'll help hand over.

If asked why, be honest but polite, for example "I've found a role that fits my long-term goals." You don't have to list every frustration.

If they make a counter-offer, ask yourself whether your reasons for leaving would really go away. If it's only about pay, it may be worth considering. If it's about the work or the team, money rarely fixes it.

Finish the handover

• List the work you own, its status, and the related files or access.
• Introduce your successor to clients or partners before your last day.
• Return equipment and system access following company procedure.
• Keep working properly until the last day. People remember endings more clearly than middles.

Sample letter (Thai)

เรียน คุณ[ชื่อหัวหน้า] ดิฉัน/ผม [ชื่อ-นามสกุล] ตำแหน่ง [ตำแหน่ง] ขอแจ้งความประสงค์ลาออกจากบริษัท [ชื่อบริษัท] โดยมีผลตั้งแต่วันที่ [วันที่] ซึ่งเป็นวันทำงานวันสุดท้าย ขอบคุณสำหรับโอกาสและประสบการณ์ตลอด [ระยะเวลา] ที่ผ่านมา ระหว่างนี้ดิฉัน/ผมจะส่งต่องานให้เรียบร้อย และยินดีช่วยแนะนำงานให้ผู้ที่รับผิดชอบต่อ ขอแสดงความนับถือ [ชื่อ-นามสกุล] [วันที่]

Sample letter (English)

Dear [Manager's name], Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as [title] at [company]. My last working day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunities and support over the past [period]. I will make sure my work is handed over properly and am happy to help train my replacement. Kind regards, [Full name]

After your last day

Send a short thank-you to the people who helped you, and keep in touch. If you post about your new job, don't mention the old one negatively.

Get your résumé ready for what's next at Online résumé. If you can still choose when to apply, see Apply at a good time, and turn on LINE job alerts from your account page.